U.S. patent application number 14/753137 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-29 for modular wind turbine rotor blades and methods of assembling same.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Christopher Daniel Caruso, Daniel Alan Hynum, James Robert Tobin, Aaron A. Yarbrough.
Application Number | 20160377050 14/753137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56235730 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20160377050 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caruso; Christopher Daniel ;
et al. |
December 29, 2016 |
MODULAR WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING
SAME
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a modular rotor blade for
a wind turbine and methods of assembling same. The rotor blade
includes a blade root section, a blade tip section, at least one
leading edge segment having a forward pressure side surface and a
forward suction side surface, and at least one trailing edge
segment having an aft pressure side surface and an aft suction side
surface. Further, the leading edge segment and the trailing edge
segment are arranged between the blade root section and the blade
tip section in a generally span-wise direction. In addition, the
leading edge segment and the trailing edge segment are joined at a
pressure side seam and a suction side seam.
Inventors: |
Caruso; Christopher Daniel;
(Greenville, SC) ; Yarbrough; Aaron A.; (Clemson,
SC) ; Hynum; Daniel Alan; (Simpsonville, SC) ;
Tobin; James Robert; (Simpsonville, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56235730 |
Appl. No.: |
14/753137 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
416/226 ;
416/223A |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 10/72 20130101;
F03D 1/0675 20130101; F05B 2280/4007 20130101; Y02E 10/721
20130101; F05B 2240/302 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F03D 1/06 20060101
F03D001/06 |
Claims
1. A modular rotor blade for a wind turbine, the rotor blade
comprising: a blade root section; a blade tip section; at least one
leading edge segment comprising a forward pressure side surface and
a forward suction side surface; and, at least one trailing edge
segment comprising an aft pressure side surface and an aft suction
side surface, wherein the leading edge segment and the trailing
edge segment are arranged between the blade root section and the
blade tip section in a generally span-wise direction, and wherein
the at least one leading edge segment and the at least one trailing
edge segment are joined at a pressure side seam and a suction side
seam.
2. The rotor blade of claim 1, further comprising at least one
pressure side segment and at least one suction side segment.
3. The rotor blade of claim 1, wherein the blade root section
comprises one or more spar caps extending in a generally span-wise
direction.
4. The rotor blade of claim 3, wherein the blade root section
further comprises one or more shear webs configured between the one
or more spar caps.
5. The rotor blade of claim 3, wherein the blade tip section
comprises one or more spar caps extending in a generally span-wise
direction.
6. The rotor blade of claim 5, wherein the blade root section and
the blade tip section are joined together via their respective spar
caps.
7. The rotor blade of claim 1, further comprising a structural
component secured to the blade root section and configured with the
at least one trailing edge segment.
8. The rotor blade of claim 1, wherein the at least one leading
edge segment and the at least one trailing edge segment overlap at
the pressure side seam and the suction side seam.
9. The rotor blade of claim 8, further comprising an adhesive
configured between the overlapping leading and trailing edge
segments.
10. The rotor blade of claim 1, wherein the at least one leading
edge segment and the at least one trailing edge segment are
constructed, at least in part, of at least one of a thermoset
polymer or a thermoplastic polymer.
11. A modular rotor blade for a wind turbine, the rotor blade
comprising: a pre-formed blade root section comprising one or more
continuous spar caps extending in a generally span-wise direction;
a pre-formed blade tip section; and, at least one blade segment
arranged between the blade root section and the blade tip section,
wherein the at least one blade segment comprises a chord-wise
cross-section defining a single, continuous blade surface.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the single, continuous blade
surface is non-jointed.
13. The rotor blade of claim 11, wherein the at least one blade
segment comprises a single joint at a trailing edge thereof.
14. The rotor blade of claim 11, wherein the at least one blade
segment is constructed, at least in part, of at least one of a
thermoset polymer or a thermoplastic polymer.
15. A modular rotor blade for a wind turbine, the rotor blade
comprising: a pre-formed blade root section comprising one or more
continuous spar caps extending in a generally span-wise direction;
a pre-formed blade tip section; and, at least one blade segment
arranged between the blade root section and the blade tip section,
wherein the at least one blade segment comprises a chord-wise
cross-section comprising multiple joints, wherein at least one
joint is located on at least one of a pressure side surface or a
suction side surface.
16. The rotor blade of claim 15, wherein the at least one blade
segment is constructed, at least in part, of at least one of a
thermoset polymer or a thermoplastic polymer.
17. The rotor blade of claim 15, wherein the at least one blade
segment comprises at least one leading edge segment and at least
one trailing edge segment joined at a pressure side seam and a
suction side seam, wherein the leading edge segment comprises a
forward pressure side surface and a forward suction side surface
and the trailing edge segment comprises an aft pressure side
surface and an aft suction side surface.
18. The rotor blade of claim 15, wherein the at least one blade
segment comprises at least one forward pressure side segment, at
least one forward suction side segment, at least one aft pressure
side segment, and at least one aft suction side segment.
19. The rotor blade of claim 15, wherein the at least one blade
segment comprises a generally J-shaped blade segment and at least
one of an aft pressure side surface or an aft suction side
surface.
20. The rotor blade of claim 15, wherein the blade root section
further comprises one or more shear webs configured between the one
or more continuous spar caps.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wind turbine
rotor blades, and more particularly to modular wind turbine rotor
blades and methods of assembling same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Wind power is considered one of the cleanest, most
environmentally friendly energy sources presently available, and
wind turbines have gained increased attention in this regard. A
modern wind turbine typically includes a tower, a generator, a
gearbox, a nacelle, and a rotor having a rotatable hub with one or
more rotor blades. The rotor blades capture kinetic energy of wind
using known airfoil principles. The rotor blades transmit the
kinetic energy in the form of rotational energy so as to turn a
shaft coupling the rotor blades to a gearbox, or if a gearbox is
not used, directly to the generator. The generator then converts
the mechanical energy to electrical energy that may be deployed to
a utility grid.
[0003] The rotor blades generally include a suction side shell and
a pressure side shell typically formed using molding processes that
are bonded together at bond lines along the leading and trailing
edges of the blade. Further, the pressure and suction shells are
relatively lightweight and have structural properties (e.g.,
stiffness, buckling resistance and strength) which are not
configured to withstand the bending moments and other loads exerted
on the rotor blade during operation. Thus, to increase the
stiffness, buckling resistance and strength of the rotor blade, the
body shell is typically reinforced using one or more structural
components (e.g. opposing spar caps with a shear web configured
therebetween) that engage the inner pressure and suction side
surfaces of the shell halves. The spar caps may be constructed of
various materials, including but not limited to glass fiber
laminate composites and/or carbon fiber laminate composites.
[0004] Such rotor blades, however, are not without issues. For
example, the bond lines of typical rotor blades are generally
formed by applying a suitable bonding paste or compound along the
bond line with a minimum designed bond width between the shell
members. These bonding lines are a critical design constraint of
the blades as a significant number of turbine blade field failures
occur at the bond-line. Separation of the bond line along the
leading and/or trailing edges of an operational turbine blade can
result in a catastrophic failure and damage to the wind
turbine.
[0005] In addition, the methods used to manufacture the rotor
blades and/or structural components thereof can be difficult to
control, defect prone, and/or highly labor intensive due to
handling of the dry fabrics and the challenges of infusing large
laminated structures. Moreover, as rotor blades continue to
increase in size, conventional manufacturing methods continue to
increase in complexity as the blade halves are typically
manufactured using opposing mold halves that must be large enough
to accommodate the entire length of the rotor blade. As such,
joining the large blade halves can be highly labor intensive and
more susceptible to defects.
[0006] One known strategy for reducing the complexity and costs
associated with pre-forming, transporting, and erecting wind
turbines having rotor blades of increasing sizes is to manufacture
the rotor blades in blade segments. The blade segments may then be
assembled to form the rotor blade. However, known joint designs for
connecting the blade segments together typically have a variety of
disadvantages. For example, many known joint designs do not provide
for sufficient alignment of the blade segments. As such, a
significant amount of time is wasted in aligning the blade segments
for assembly of the rotor blade. Additionally, many known joint
designs include various complex interconnecting components, thereby
increasing the amount of time needed to assemble the blade
segments. In addition, segmented blades are typically heavier than
blades manufactured using conventional methods due to the
additional joints and/or related parts. Further, each of the
segments is still manufactured using blade halves that are bonded
together at leading and trailing edges, which as mentioned, is a
critical design constraint.
[0007] Thus, the art is continuously seeking new and improved rotor
blades and related methods that address the aforementioned issues.
Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to improved modular
wind turbine rotor blades and methods of assembling same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
modular rotor blade for a wind turbine. The rotor blade includes a
blade root section, a blade tip section, at least one leading edge
segment having a forward pressure side surface and a forward
suction side surface, and at least one trailing edge segment having
an aft pressure side surface and an aft suction side surface.
Further, the leading edge segment and the trailing edge segment are
arranged between the blade root section and the blade tip section
in a generally span-wise direction. In addition, the leading edge
segment and the trailing edge segment may be joined at a pressure
side seam and a suction side seam.
[0010] In one embodiment, the rotor blade may also include at least
one pressure side segment and at least one suction side segment. In
another embodiment, the blade root section may include one or more
spar caps extending in a generally span-wise direction. Similarly,
the blade tip section may include one or more corresponding spar
caps extending in a generally span-wise direction. Thus, in certain
embodiments, the blade root section and the blade tip section may
be joined together via their respective spar cap(s). In additional
embodiments, the blade root section may further include one or more
shear webs configured between the one or more spar caps.
[0011] In further embodiments, the rotor blade may include a
plurality of leading edge segments and/or a plurality of trailing
edge segments. In additional embodiments, the rotor blade may also
include a structural component secured to the blade root section.
In addition, in particular embodiments, the structural component
may be configured with the trailing edge segment(s).
[0012] In certain embodiments, the leading edge segment(s) and the
trailing edge segment(s) may be configured to overlap at the
pressure side seam and the suction side seam. In addition, adjacent
leading edge segments as well as adjacent trailing edge segment(s)
may be configured to overlap. Thus, in specific embodiments, the
rotor blade may also include an adhesive configured between the
overlapping leading and trailing edge segments and/or the
overlapping adjacent leading or trailing edge segments.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the leading edge segment(s) and
the trailing edge segment(s) may be constructed of any suitable
material that allows for the desired shape and characteristics of
the corresponding component. More specifically, in certain
embodiments, the leading edge segment(s) and/or the trailing edge
segment(s) may be constructed, at least in part, of a thermoset
polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, or similar.
[0014] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a
modular rotor blade for a wind turbine. The rotor blade includes a
pre-formed blade root section having one or more continuous spar
caps extending in a generally span-wise direction, a pre-formed
blade tip, and at least one blade segment arranged between the
blade root section and the blade tip section. In addition, the
blade segment includes a chord-wise cross-section defining a
single, continuous blade surface.
[0015] In one embodiment, the single, continuous blade surface is
non-jointed. In another embodiment, the blade segment(s) includes a
single joint at a trailing edge thereof. In certain embodiments,
the blade segment(s) may be constructed, at least in part, of
either a thermoset polymer or a thermoplastic polymer.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to
modular rotor blade for a wind turbine. The rotor blade includes a
pre-formed blade root section having one or more continuous spar
caps extending in a generally span-wise direction, a pre-formed
blade tip section, and at least one blade segment arranged between
the blade root section and the blade tip section. In addition, the
at least one blade segment includes a chord-wise cross-section
having multiple joints, wherein at least one joint is located on at
least one of a pressure side surface or a suction side surface.
[0017] In one embodiment, the blade segment(s) may be constructed,
at least in part, of at least one of a thermoset polymer, a
thermoplastic polymer, or similar. In another embodiment, the blade
segment(s) may include at least one leading edge segment and at
least one trailing edge segment joined at a pressure side seam and
a suction side seam. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the
leading edge segment may include a forward pressure side surface
and a forward suction side surface and the trailing edge segment
may include an aft pressure side surface and an aft suction side
surface. In further embodiments, the leading edge and trailing edge
segment(s) may overlap at the pressure side seam and the suction
side seam. Thus, in certain embodiments, the rotor blade may
include an adhesive configured between the overlapping leading and
trailing edge segments.
[0018] In further embodiments, the modular rotor blade may include
at least one pressure side segment and at least one suction side
segment, e.g. joined leading and trailing edges via suitable
joints.
[0019] In another embodiment, the blade segment(s) may include at
least one forward pressure side segment, at least one forward
suction side segment, at least one aft pressure side segment, and
at least one aft suction side segment. In such an embodiment, the
blade segment(s) are generally segmented into four quadrants that
can be joined together via four joints.
[0020] In still further embodiments, the blade segment(s) may
include a generally J-shaped blade segment and at least one of an
aft pressure side surface or an aft suction side surface, e.g.
joined together at multiple joints. In additional embodiments, the
blade root section may also include one or more shear webs
configured between the one or more continuous spar caps.
[0021] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
wind turbine according to the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
modular rotor blade of a wind turbine according to the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the modular rotor
blade of FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a leading edge segment of a modular rotor blade according to the
present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a trailing edge segment of a modular rotor blade according to
the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the modular
rotor blade of FIG. 2 according to the present disclosure along
line 6-6;
[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the modular
rotor blade of FIG. 2 according to the present disclosure along
line 7-7;
[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a modular rotor blade according to the present
disclosure, particularly illustrating a blade segment having
overlapping pressure and suction side seams;
[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a modular rotor blade according to the present
disclosure, particularly illustrating a non-jointed, continuous
blade segment;
[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a modular rotor blade according to the present
disclosure, particularly illustrating a single-jointed blade
segment;
[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment
of a modular rotor blade according to the present disclosure,
particularly illustrating a plurality of blade segments joined
together via multiple joints;
[0034] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of a modular rotor blade according to the present
disclosure, particularly illustrating a plurality of blade segments
joined together via multiple joints;
[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for
assembling a modular rotor blade according to the present
disclosure;
[0036] FIGS. 14-17 illustrates various schematic diagrams of one
embodiment of a method for assembling a modular rotor blade of a
wind turbine according to the present disclosure, particularly
illustrating assembly steps that may be completed in the
factory;
[0037] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
a fixture assembly used to assemble various rotor blade components
of a wind turbine according to the present disclosure; and
[0038] FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of
a method for assembling a rotor blade of a wind turbine according
to the present disclosure, particularly illustrating assembly steps
that may be completed in the field, e.g. at a wind turbine
site.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0040] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to a modular
rotor blade for a wind turbine and methods of assembling same. In
certain embodiments, the rotor blade includes a pre-formed blade
root section, a pre-formed blade tip section, and one or more blade
segments mounted between the blade root section and the blade tip
section in a generally span-wise direction. In certain embodiments,
the blade segments may include one or more leading edge segments,
trailing edge segments, pressure side segments, suction side
segments, a forward pressure side segment, a forward suction side
segment, an aft pressure side segment, an aft suction side segment,
or a non jointed continuous blade segment. Further, the blade root
section and the blade tip section each include one or more spar
caps. Thus, the blade root section and the blade tip section may be
joined together via their respective spar caps.
[0041] Thus, the present disclosure provides many advantages not
present in the prior art. For example, the present disclosure
provides a modular rotor blade having multiple blade segments
and/or components that can each be individually pre-formed before
assembly of the blade. Thus, the blade segments reduce the number
of bond lines and shift the bond lines away from the leading and/or
trailing edge regions. In addition, the number of scarf joints or
similar can be reduced. Further, the modular rotor blades as
described herein may increase supply chain options, may reduce
assembling cycle time, and/or may reduce shipping cost. Thus, the
rotor blades and methods of the present disclosure provide an
economic alternative to conventional rotor blades. Further, the
rotor blades of the present disclosure can have a reduced
weight.
[0042] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates one
embodiment of a wind turbine 10 according to the present
disclosure. As shown, the wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12 with
a nacelle 14 mounted thereon. A plurality of rotor blades 16 are
mounted to a rotor hub 18, which is in turn connected to a main
flange that turns a main rotor shaft. The wind turbine power
generation and control components are housed within the nacelle 14.
The view of FIG. 1 is provided for illustrative purposes only to
place the present invention in an exemplary field of use. It should
be appreciated that the invention is not limited to any particular
type of wind turbine configuration. In addition, the present
invention is not limited to use with wind turbines, but may be
utilized in any application having rotor blades.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, various views of a modular
rotor blade 16 manufactured according to the present disclosure are
illustrated. As shown, the rotor blade 16 includes a modular
configuration having a pre-formed blade root section 20, a
pre-formed blade tip section 22 disposed opposite the blade root
section 20, and a plurality of blade segments arranged
therebetween. The blade root section 20 is configured to be mounted
or otherwise secured to the rotor 18 (FIG. 1). Further, as shown in
FIG. 2, the rotor blade 16 defines a span 23 that is equal to the
total length between the blade root section 20 and the blade tip
section 22. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the rotor blade
16 defines a chord 25 that is equal to the total length between a
leading edge 40 of the rotor blade 16 and a trailing edge 42 of the
rotor blade 16. As is generally understood, the chord 25 may
generally vary in length with respect to the span 23 as the rotor
blade 16 extends from the blade root section 20 to the blade tip
section 22.
[0044] In addition, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the
blade segments may include a plurality of leading edge segments 24
and a plurality of trailing edge segments 26 generally arranged
between the blade root section 20 and the blade tip section 22
along a longitudinal axis 27 in a generally span-wise direction.
Thus, the leading and trailing edge segments 24, 26 generally serve
as the outer casing/covering of the rotor blade 16 and may define a
substantially aerodynamic profile, such as by defining a
symmetrical or cambered airfoil-shaped cross-section. In additional
embodiments, it should be understood that the blade segment portion
of the blade 16 may include any combination of the segments
described herein and are not limited to the embodiment as
depicted.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4, each of the leading edge segments
24 has a forward pressure side surface 28 and a forward suction
side surface 30. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, each of the
trailing edge segments 26 has an aft pressure side surface 32 and
an aft suction side surface 34. In addition, as particularly shown
in FIG. 6, the leading edge segment(s) 26 and the trailing edge
segment(s) 26 may be joined at a pressure side seam 36 and a
suction side seam 38. Thus, the forward pressure side surface 28 of
the leading edge segment 24 and the aft pressure side surface 32 of
the trailing edge segment 26 generally define a pressure side
surface of the rotor blade 16. Similarly, the forward suction side
surface 30 of the leading edge segment 24 and the aft suction side
surface 34 of the trailing edge segment 26 generally define a
suction side surface of the rotor blade 16.
[0046] In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the leading edge
segment(s) 24 and the trailing edge segment(s) 26 may be configured
to overlap at the pressure side seam 36 and/or the suction side
seam 38. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, adjacent leading edge
segments 24 as well as adjacent trailing edge segments 26 may be
configured to overlap at a seam 54. More specifically, in certain
embodiments, the various segments of the rotor blade 16 may be
further secured together, e.g. via an adhesive 56 configured
between the overlapping leading and trailing edge segments 24, 26
and/or the overlapping adjacent leading or trailing edge segments
24, 26.
[0047] In addition, the pressure side seam 26 and/or the suction
side seam 38 may be located at any suitable chord-wise location.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the seams 36, 38 may be
located from about 40% to about 60% chord from the leading edge 40
of the rotor blade 16. More specifically, in certain embodiments,
the seams 36, 38 may be located at about 50% chord from the leading
edge 40. In still further embodiments, the seams 36, 38 may be
located less than 40% chord or greater than 60% chord from the
leading edge 40 of the rotor blade 16. In addition, in some
embodiments, the seams 36, 38 may be aligned as generally shown in
the figures. Alternatively, the seams 36, 38 may be offset.
[0048] In additional embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the
rotor blade 16 may also include at least one pressure side segment
44 and/or at least one suction side segment 46. For example, as
shown in FIG. 7, the rotor blade 16 may include a pressure side
segment 44 arranged and joined with a suction side segment 46 at
the leading and trailing edges 40, 42. Such segments may be used in
combination with and/or exclusive of the additional segments as
described herein.
[0049] Thus far, the segments described herein are joined at two
joint locations. Although, in further embodiments, less than two or
more than two joint locations may be utilized. For example, as
shown in FIG. 9, the rotor blade 16 may also include a non-jointed,
continuous blade surface 45. More specifically, as shown, the
non-jointed, continuous blade surface 45 does not require bonding
of multiple segments. Such segments 45 may be used in combination
with and/or exclusive of the additional segments as described
herein. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the rotor blade 16 may also
include a blade segment having a single-jointed blade surface 55.
More specifically, as shown, the single jointed blade surface 55
may include a pressure side surface 33, a suction side surface 31,
and a single joint 57 at the trailing edge 42. Thus, the
single-jointed blade surface 55 only requires one joint instead of
multiple joints. Such segments 55 may be used in combination with
and/or exclusive of the additional segments as described
herein.
[0050] Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rotor blade 16
may also include a multi jointed blade surface 59. More
specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the multi jointed blade surface
59 may include a plurality of segments 41, 43, 47, 49 joined
together via multiple joints 61, 63, 65, 67 spaced about the
cross-section of the blade segment 59. For example, as shown, the
segments 41, 43, 47, 49 may include a forward pressure side segment
43, a forward suction side segment 41, an aft pressure side segment
49, and an aft suction side segment 47. In another embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 12, the blade segment 59 may include a generally
J-shaped blade segment 39 and an additional blade segment, e.g. aft
pressure side segment 49 or aft suction side segment 47, joined
together via joints 65 and 67. More specifically, as shown, the
J-shaped blade segment 39 may extend from the trailing edge 42
around the suction side surface 33 to a pressure side seam 35. Such
segments may be used in combination with and/or exclusive of the
additional segments as described herein.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 2-3 and 6-7, the rotor blade 16 may
also include one or more longitudinally extending spar caps
configured to provide increased stiffness, buckling resistance
and/or strength to the rotor blade 16. For example, the blade root
section 20 may include one or more longitudinally extending spar
caps 48, 50 configured to be engaged against the opposing inner
surfaces of the blade segments of the rotor blade 16. Similarly,
the blade tip section 22 may include one or more longitudinally
extending spar caps 51, 53 configured to be engaged against the
opposing inner surfaces of the blade of the rotor blade 16. In
addition, blade tip section 20 and/or the blade root section 22 may
also include one or more shear webs 35 configured between the one
or more spar caps 48, 50, 51, 53 of the blade root section 20 or
the blade tip section 22, respectively. As such, the shear web(s)
35 are configured to increase the rigidity in the blade root
section 20 and/or the blade tip section 22, thereby allowing the
sections 20, 22 to be handled with more control.
[0052] More specifically, in particular embodiments, the blade root
section 20 and/or the blade tip section 22 may be pre-formed with
the one or more spar caps 48, 50, 51, 53. Further, the blade root
spar caps 48, 50 may be configured to align with the blade tip spar
caps 51, 53. Thus, the spar caps 48, 50, 51, 53 may generally be
designed to control the bending stresses and/or other loads acting
on the rotor blade 16 in a generally span-wise direction (a
direction parallel to the span 23 of the rotor blade 16) during
operation of a wind turbine 10. In addition, the spar caps 48, 50,
51, 53 may be designed to withstand the span-wise compression
occurring during operation of the wind turbine 10. Further, the
spar cap(s) 48, 50, 51, 53 may be configured to extend from the
blade root section 20 to the blade tip section 22 or a portion
thereof. Thus, in certain embodiments, the blade root section 20
and the blade tip section 22 may be joined together via their
respective spar caps 48, 50, 51, 53.
[0053] In further embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 16, and 18,
the rotor blade 16 may also include an additional structural
component 52 secured to the blade root section 20 and extending in
a generally span-wise direction. More specifically, the structural
component 52 may extend any suitable distance between the blade
root section 20 and the blade tip section 22. Thus, the structural
component 52 is configured to provide additional structural support
for the rotor blade 16 as well as an optional mounting structure
for the various blade segments as described herein. For example, in
certain embodiments, the structural component 52 may be secured to
the blade root section 20 and may extend a predetermined span-wise
distance such that the leading and/or trailing edge segments 24, 26
can be mounted thereto.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 13-19, various embodiments of
assembling the modular rotor blade 16 as described herein are
illustrated. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a flow diagram of
one embodiment of a method 100 for assembling a modular rotor blade
16 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. As shown at
102, the method 100 includes providing a pre-formed a blade root
section 20 and a pre-formed blade tip section 22 of the rotor
blade. Further, as mentioned and shown generally in the figures,
the blade root section 20 and/or the blade tip section 22 may each
include one or more spar caps 48, 50, 51, 53 extending in a
generally span-wise direction. In such embodiments, the blade root
section 20 and the spar caps 48, 50 may be manufactured (e.g.
infused) in a single shot or mold so as to produce a uniform,
integral part. Similarly, the blade tip section 22 and the one or
more spar caps 51, 53 may be in a single shot so as to produce a
uniform, integral part. In alternative embodiments, the blade tip
section 22 may not include spar caps 51, 53.
[0055] As shown at 104, the method 100 may also include providing
at least one pre-formed blade segment (e.g. segments 24, 26, 41,
43, 44, 45, 46, 47, or 49 as described herein) of the rotor blade
16. Further, as shown at 106, the method 100 may also include
mounting one or more blade segments around the spar caps 48, 50 of
the blade root section 20. More specifically, in certain
embodiments, the blade segment(s) may have a chord-wise
cross-section having multiple joints, with at least one of the
multiple joints being located on either the pressure side surface
or the suction side surface of the blade segment. Thus, in certain
embodiments, the method 100 may include mounting leading and
trailing edge segments 24, 26 between the blade root section 20 and
the blade tip section 22 and joining the segments via the pressure
and suction side seams 36, 38. In addition, the method 100 may
include mounting at least one pressure side segment 44 and at least
one suction side segment 46 between the blade root section 20 and
the blade tip section 22 in a generally span-wise direction. In
still further embodiments, where the blade segment is a
single-jointed blade segment 55 (FIG. 10), the method 100 may
include separating the pressure and suction side surfaces 31, 33 at
the single joint 57, mounting the continuous blade segment 55 over
the one or more spar caps 48, 50, and securing the continuous blade
segment 55 between the blade root section 20 and the blade tip
section 22 via an adhesive at the single joint 55.
[0056] In particular embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 14-16, and 18,
a fixture apparatus 70 may be used to assemble the rotor blade 16.
More specifically, the fixture apparatus 70 may be used to arrange
and/or orient the blade segments of the rotor blade 16 such that
the segments can be properly mounted between the blade root section
20 and the blade tip section 22. More specifically, as shown, the
fixture apparatus 70 may include a main fixture assembly 58 that is
configured to support and orient the blade root section 20, e.g.
with the leading edge side down or vice versa. Further, in some
embodiments, the main fixture assembly 58 may also include a blade
root plate 64 configured to align a root end portion 68 of the
blade root section 20 on the main fixture assembly 58. In addition,
the main fixture assembly 58 may also include a root support
structure 66 configured to support the root end portion 68 of the
blade root section 20. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18
the root support structure 66 may further include a support pad 72
configured to provide further support and/or protection to the root
end portion 68 of the blade root section 20.
[0057] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 14-16 and 18, the fixture
apparatus may include a leading edge fixture assembly 60 that is
configured to support and/or orient the leading edge segment(s) 24
relative to the blade root section 20. As such, the leading edge
fixture assembly 60 may be installed onto the main fixture assembly
58, e.g. below the blade root section 20 when the blade root
section 20 is installed onto the main fixture assembly 58. As such,
the leading edge fixture assembly 60 allows the leading edge
segment(s) 24 to be easily mounted between the blade root section
20 and the blade tip section 22 while the leading edge segment(s)
24 are held in place via the leading edge fixture assembly 60.
[0058] Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 14-16 and 18, the fixture
apparatus 70 may also include a trailing edge fixture assembly 62
that is configured to support and/or orient the trailing edge
segment(s) 26 relative to the blade root section 20. As such, the
trailing edge segment(s) 26 can be loaded onto the trailing edge
fixture assembly 62 and the fixture assembly 62 can be installed
onto the main fixture assembly 58, e.g. above the blade root
section 20 when the blade root section 20 is installed onto the
main fixture assembly 58. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the
trailing edge fixture assembly 62 containing the trailing edge
segment(s) 26 may be installed onto the main fixture assembly 58
above the blade root section 20 via a crane. As such, the trailing
edge segment(s) may be mounted between the blade root section 20
and the blade tip section 22 while the trailing edge segment(s) 26
are held in place via the trailing edge fixture assembly 62. Thus,
each of the fixture assemblies 58, 60, 62 may be used to support
and arrange the various blade components/segments in a generally
span-wise direction such that the components may be easily aligned
and secured together to form the rotor blade 16.
[0059] More specifically, in certain embodiments, the leading edge
segment(s) 24 may be loaded onto and supported by the leading edge
fixture assembly 60. Further, in particular embodiments, the
leading edge segment(s) 24 may be joined together, e.g. via an
adhesive, while being supported on the leading edge fixture
assembly 60. In addition, as shown at FIG. 15, the leading edge
fixture assembly 60 may be loaded onto the main fixture assembly
58, e.g. in a lower portion of the main fixture assembly 58. Thus,
as shown at FIG. 16, the leading edge fixture assembly 60 may be
lifted to the blade root section 20 so as to properly locate the
leading edge segment(s) 24 relative to the blade root section 20.
In addition, the trailing edge segment(s) 26 may be loaded onto the
trailing edge fixture assembly 62. Further, in certain embodiments,
one or more adjacent trailing edge segment(s) 26 may be joined
together, e.g. via an adhesive, while being supported by the
trailing edge fixture assembly 62. As such, the trailing edge
fixture assembly 62 may be lowered onto the main fixture assembly
58, e.g. using a crane, such that one or more of the trailing edge
segment(s) 26 may be properly oriented relative to the leading edge
segment(s) 24.
[0060] In additional embodiments, the method 100 may also include
securing an additional structural component 52 to the blade root
section 20 such that the structural component 52 extends in a
generally span-wise direction. Thus, as shown at FIG. 17, the blade
segments (e.g. the leading and trailing edge segments 24, 26) may
be mounted to the structural component 52. For example, in one
embodiment, the trailing edges segments 26 may be mounted to the
structural component 52 of the blade root section 20 and the
leading edge segments 24 may be mounted to the trailing edge
segments 26, e.g. by overlapping the trailing edge segments 26 at
seams 36, 38. In alternative embodiments, any of the blade segments
as described herein may be similarly mounted to the structural
component 52 of the blade root section 20 in a span-wise
direction.
[0061] Thus, as shown at 108 of FIG. 13, the method 100 may also
include joining the blade tip section 20 to either or both of the
spar caps 51, 53 and/or one of the blade segments so as to form the
modular rotor blade 16, as shown in FIGS. 19(A) and (B). In
addition, the method 100 may also include mounting one or more
shear webs 35 between the one or more spar caps 48, 50, 51, 53 of
the blade root section 20 or the blade tip section 22 before, for
example, the step of mounting the at least one blade segment
between the blade root section 20 and the blade tip section 22. As
such, the shear web(s) are configured to increase the rigidity in
the blade root section 20 and/or the blade tip section 22.
[0062] Accordingly, once the blade root section 20 has been joined
to the blade tip section 22 (and remaining internal connections of
the rotor blade 16 are complete) the remaining closeout segments
(e.g. pressure and suction side segments 44 and 46) may be
installed over the tip-root connection to complete the rotor blade
16, e.g. as shown in FIG. 19(C).
[0063] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *